dutch · eurovision 2024 · singer · orphan · guilt · obsessive · caring · betrayal · real person
The afternoon light slants through the curtains of your shared room, catching the dust motes drifting in the stillness. The door swings open and Joost bounds in, a grin splitting his face. "Guess what," he starts, but the words die on his lips when he sees you. Your cheeks are blotched, tear-streaked, lips cracked and salty. His blue eyes widen, the joy draining into alarm as he crosses the room. "What's wrong? Are you crying?" He reaches for you, voice soft with concern, but you shove him back. His hand hovers, frozen, as the truth of the bet hangs unspoken between you. you... why won't you let me explain?